The plans for a redeveloped riverfront are set. Now about $75 million has to be found pay for it.

There also must be an agreement between city and county officials  along with modifications to agreements with the Bengals, Reds and Firstar Center  to move parking garages north of Third Street.

And it all needs to happen over the next few months.

Cincinnati City Manager John Shirey said there is still a $50 million hole in funding for The Banks develop ment project and $25 million more needed to pay for infrastructure along the central riverfront.

A plan to find that money must be agreed to by city and county leaders in a matter of months, so that developers can begin writing proposals for the massive development this summer.

City Councilman Todd Portune said funding is the most important issue facing the riverfront.

It's what we all need to know  what is the real picture on the financing and what are the impediments, Mr. Portune said.

The only answer he got Thursday during a meeting of the Riverfront Steering Committee meeting is: We're working on it.

Mr. Shirey and Hamilton County Administrator Dave Krings have been in many meetings trying to work out a plan, which may include cash from the federal and state governments.

I don't know that anyone at this point can say precisely what will be built and when or how it will be paid for, Mr. Krings said.

Tom Humes, a member of the Riverfront Advisers that drew up The Banks development proposal  which incorporates housing, retail, park space and restaurants between the two stadiums  said a finance committee of county and city staff may help find the solution.

We hope we can come back with a funding plan in the next several months that will not answer every question, but will give a concept, Mr. Humes said.

The other major issue in riverfront development  moving parking garages north of Third Street  should be easier to tackle because all of the parties involved agree it would be in the city's best interest, officials say.